1. The Healthy
Human Body
&
How It Works
Chapter 9
*Information is primarily based from Hartman’s Nursing Assistant Care/Long term
Care textbook, 4th edition.
2. In this chapter we will explore the human body &
how its 10 systems work.
3. How the body should work together
Homeostasis - is the name for the condition in which ALL of the body systems
are working at their BEST.
Metabolism - the physical and chemical processes of the body are working at a
steady level.
4. Lets see how much you know about each system
Integumentary Urinary
Musculoskeletal Gastrointestinal
Nervous Endocrine
Circulatory or Cardiovascular Reproductive
Respiratory Immune & Lymphatic
5. The Basics
Cells - Cells are the building blocks of the body. Living cells divide, grow, and
die, renewing the tissues and organs of the body.
Tissues - tissues are made up of groups of cells that perform a similar task.
Organs - Body systems contain organs, an organ has specific function.
Systems - Are a units comprised of all of the above to ensure the body works.
6. Anatomical terms of location
Anterior or ventral: the front of the body or body part
Posterior or dorsal: the back of the body or body part
Superior: towards the head (up)
Inferior: away from the head (down)
Medial: towards the midline of the body (middle)
Lateral: to the side, away from the midline of the body
7. Integumentary System (skin, hair, nails)
Organ - Skin
It is the largest organ system of the
body! It a natural protective covering
And also serves as a sense organ.
8. What are functions of the Integumentary
system?
● Protect internal organs from injury
● Protect the body from bacteria
● Prevent loss of too much H2O
● Responds to heat, cold, touch, pain and pressure
● Regulates body temperature
*****Normal oral temperature is 97.6 - 99.6 Fahrenheit
9. Musculoskeletal System
● 206 bones in the human body
● Bones are hard and rigid
● Bones are made of living cells
● 2 bones meet at a Joint
● Hinge Joint?
● Ball & Socket Joint?
● Tendons attach muscle to bone.
10. Types of muscles
Muscles can be voluntary or involuntary
Skeletal muscles are voluntary (arm and leg muscles)
Involuntary muscles can not be consciously controlled (diaphragm, heart)
11. Musculoskeletal System
Atrophy - muscles wastes away, decrease in size
& become weak
Contracture - the muscle shortens, becomes
Inflexible & freezes in position
12. Range of Motion
Range of motion is how much movement a joint has.
● Hip, knee and ankle ROM
● Shoulder ROM
● Elbow & wrist ROM
13. What are the functions of the Musculoskeletal
system?
● Provide the body with shape and structure
● Allow the body to move
● Protect internal organs
● Maintain posture
● Produce heat
14. The Nervous System
The Nervous system is comprised of 2 parts, the central nervous system (CNS), &
the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord.
The PNS consists of the nerves extending from the spinal cord which travel
throughout the body.
15. Nervous System (brain)
Organ - Brain, it has 3 main parts or sections
Cerebrum - thinking, analysis, association
of ideas, judgement, emotion & memory….
Cerebellum - balance & voluntary muscles
Brainstem - heart rate, breathing,
swallowing, coughing….
Basic unit of the nervous system is the Neuron or Nerve cell
16. What are the functions of the Nervous system?
The Nervous system is the Control and Message center of the body. It controls
and coordinates all body functions.
● SENSE
● INTERPRET
● RESPOND
It responds to all changes occurring inside and outside the body.
18. Circulatory or Cardiovascular system
The heart has 4 chambers
2 upper chambers are called Atrium
2 lower chambers are called Ventricles
The Aorta is the major vessel, it distributes
Oxygenated blood from the heart to
The body.
19. Types of Blood Cells
Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.
White blood cells (WBCs) fight infection
Platelets help the blood to clot which prevents excess bleeding.
20. What are the functions of the cardiovascular
system?
● Supply food, oxygen, hormones to cells
● Supply the body with infection-fighting blood cells
● Removes waste
● Regulate body temperature
21. Blood Pressure & Pulse
● Systole
● Diastole
● Pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute
***Normal range for pulse is 60 -100 beats per minute.
22. Lymphatic and Immune System
Organ - Lymph nodes &
Lymph vessels
Lymph is a clear yellowish fluid that
carries disease-fighting cells called
lymphocytes. Lymph is circulated
by muscle activity, breathing & massage
23. What are the functions of the I & L system?
● The immune system protects the body against disease causing pathogens.
Specific
Nonspecific
● The lymphatic system helps the immune system fight pathogens & removes
excess fluids and waste products from the body’s tissues.
25. What are the functions of the Reproductive
system?
Males
● Manufacture sperm and the male hormone testosterone
Females
● Manufactures ovum (eggs) and the female hormone estrogen and
progesterone
● Provides an environment for the development of the fetus (baby)
● Produces breast milk for nourishment after birth
27. What are the functions of the Endocrine system?
● Maintain homeostasis
● Influence growth and development
● Regulate blood glucose levels
● Regulate calcium in the bones
● Regulate the bodies ability to reproduce
● Regulates metabolism - how fast cells burn food for energy
28. Gastrointestinal System
The GI system is 1 long tube
Mouth to Anus
● Mouth
● Pharynx
● Esophagus
● Stomach
● Small intestines
● Large intestines
● Anus
Peristalsis?
29. What are the functions of the GI system?
● Digestion - is the process of preparing food physically and chemically so that
it can be absorb into the cells
● Elimination - is the process of expelling solid wastes
that are not absorb into the cells
31. What are the functions of the Urinary system?
● Through urine, the urinary system eliminates waste products created the cells
● Maintain the H2O balance
33. What are the functions of the Respiratory
system?
● Bring oxygen into the body (inhale)
● Eliminate carbon dioxide (exhale)
****Normal range for respirations is 12-20 per minute
34. Conclusion
Remember the human body is a elaborate group of systems that function best
when in a state of homeostasis.
All systems are important and serve an integral role in our conception, birth, life
and survival.
Please report any abnormal findings observed regarding your residents and their
bodily functions to the nurse immediately.